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| Posted Wed, Nov 11 2020 09:50 AM CST | ||
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EFREN GOMEZ N/A TURLOCK, CA Posts: 1 |
I recently turned 18 and will be graduating high school this year. I want to haul livestock but don’t know how to get started. What should I do to be prepared so when I am able to cross state lines be hired on. What would a company look for the most, driving experience, experience with livestock, or both? I currently work for neighbor who is a farmer. Should I get a job at a ranch, sale barn, dairy, etc? Or should I get my CDL now and start driving trucks? (a farmer is willing to give me a chance driving at 18). Don’t care about the money, willing to work without compensation and even relocate once I am out of school. I just want to learn the business. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks. | REPLY REPLY WITH QUOTE |
| Posted Wed, Nov 11 2020 08:28 PM CST | ||
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JACK MAC NONE BULLSNOT, EM, MX Posts: 20 |
Efrin, I am an older gentlemen from Texas. Your discussion was very well put. 18 is a tough age to drive a commercial vehicle but I started at the same age. My advice is to start at your local sale barn. Try to get on helping in the alleys and other places that will help you to learn how to handle cattle etc... This could also give you a chance to get know the truckers that pick up and deliver the sale cattle. Be helpful and respectful. Drive as many trucks as you can. The farmer you mentioned would be a great place to get some miles. Fast and rough is NOT THE WAY TO HANDLE LIVESTOCK whether you are handling or hauling. I have been to Turlock many times with Dairy calves out of Texas, that was many years ago. I know at that time there were several dairies in the area (This could have changed with all the regulations that Cali has). Working there could also help with learning to handle the animals. Just don't let yourself get bogged down in milking cows everyday for years. There are also many beef feedlots in southwest California ie... Brawley, Calexico area. Working there in almost any capacity could help. Keep your record clean and don't operate unsafe vehicles. Don't work for free. Insurance companies are the problem with younger drivers . But I believe it is doable. Keep your good attitude. This is just an old BullHaulers advice. Good Luck !!! |
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| Posted Thu, Nov 19 2020 07:09 AM CST | ||
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ERIC CARLSON HOTSHOT TRANSPORTATION CO. LLC GLENDALE, AZ Posts: 1 |
As Gary said, get any experience you can driving and handling livestock. Remember, your drivers license will be your livelihood so keep your foot outta the gas pedal no matter what you are driving. Accidents and DUIs are killers literally and in the sense that they will kill your career. Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you. I wish I had half as much of an idea of what I wanted to do in life when I was your age. Good luck. | REPLY REPLY WITH QUOTE |